Special Needs Children

“It takes a whole village to raise a child.” - African proverb Page 5 FOR PARENTS OF SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN:

Keeping Your Child’s Records and provisions for children with special needs. You are entitled to see and have copies of from www.parent.net/article/archive/records.shtml MEDICAL anything in your child’s accumulated (“cum-fi le”) record fi le, which is kept in your Getting the help we need for our children You will fi le here copies of any letter child’s school. Be sure to see and read this fi le-can be a very daunting task. One of the most you have written to or received from doctors, it may contain some very important information! powerful tools for facilitating this as we work letters from one doctor to another (obtain Also fi le here copies of any articles or with professionals is a record book which copies from you child’s physician(s). information you have shared with teachers or contains, in an organized way, essential other education professionals. information about your child. DIAGNOSTIC OR TREATMENT REPORTS Some general notes: Fran Rice, a noted child advocate in the United States, believes parents are in a unique position to create one of these “books” to provide an organized record of information about their child. This record can accelerate the process of professionals gaining familiarity Begin and maintain a record of any relevant medications your child has been prescribed (Doctor, name of medication, amount, date begun and why, any changes, date ended and why, benefi ts and side effects). • Always keep a copy of everything for yourself --do not hesitate to ask for copies • Make sure everything is dated • This is your family’s book--decide what you want to share with people you are dealing with. It may help to have a copy to give to the with your child and his/her history. The fi rst Also fi le here copies of any articles or professional. task of any expert is to gather information-- information you have shared with health Once you have compiled this binder, if you facilitate this process, the doctor/health professionals. keep it up to date. This will provide you with a care professional/ valuable assessment tool. Many parents can pick educator can spend up clues regarding their child simply by going more time problem back over the report cards and picking up key solving and intervening, words-many will reappear report to report or year instead of fi rst having to to year. This may provide valuable clues to the reconstruct your child’s diffi culties your child is experiencing or “story”. the areas where their learning is breaking down. The fi rst step is regarding social diffi culties, recess or lunchroom to buy yourself a good diffi culties, busing problems, etc. This type sized three ring binder, of binder is useful for doctors to assess and a hole punch, some three follow-up, for parents to prepare for meetings ring lined paper and a and for the child as they grow older and need to set of dividers. This will learn to advocate for themselves. become your permanent fi le for all the information you will need. Remember, the purpose is to record information -- do this in a way that feels comfortable to you (i.e. point form notes, dictate to a typist, print, Look holistically at these reports-look for clues etc.). Next you need to label and arrange the dividers as follows: 1408 N. Washington Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 325-5451

PROFILE Fax: (509) 344-1083

You will record here the child’s strengths, weaknesses, Keeping accurate records will help speed medical assistance for your child with special needs centerpointe@qwestoffi ce.net likes and dislikes. Who is this child? PSYCHOLOGICAL/SOCIAL You will fi le here copies of any letters, CENTER POINTE Is a non-profi t HISTORY You will record here the child’s immediate family tree, health history, developmental history and any signifi cant events in the child’s life. reports, assessments, etc. dealing with psychological/emotional/social/behavioral concerns. If the document relates to school, put a note in the “Education” fi le to say that “document” is in the Psychological fi le. EDUCATIONAL United Way member agency offering classes and activities based on the principles of recreation therapy. Classes are offered to individuals with disabilities living in the CURRENT CONCERNS You will fi le here copies of anything about Greater Spokane area. Before each meeting with a professional, your child in school in the past couple of years. write down the concerns you have right This will include report cards, letters, notes, Our mission is to encourage participants now. This will form the basis of your initial discussion. Date these records. PAST CONCERNS Keep past records, again dated including any action taken. assessments, teacher rating scales, descriptions of your child as a learner, reports or other documents about case conferences, IPRC (Identifi cation Placement and Review Committee) reports, any IEPs (Individual Education Plan). Ask your school for a copy of the “Information for Parents” about the IPRC to become independent, develop friendships, and be of service to others, thereby fostering a positive self-image. Center Pointe has served our community for over 50 years.